[PHOTOS] It's all systems go for Raila’s big day at Kasarani

It is all systems go for ODM leader Raila Odinga’s big day with at least 2,000 elected leaders from across the political divide confirming attendance two days to the event.

On Tuesday, a joint team of both Jubilee and ODM Parliamentary Group toured the 60,000-seat Moi International Stadium, Kasarani, where the fete will be held.

The opposition chief is expected to declare his candidature in the race to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta who is retiring in August next year.

The fifth time Presidential candidate will deliver his address to the packed stadium, bringing to an end speculation that has shrouded his 2022 candidature.

Over 20 pro-handshake MPs led by ODM chairman John Mbadi inspected ongoing works at the facility and urged supporters to turn up in big numbers on Friday.

It was a hive of activity at the stadium with organizers making final touches and ensuring everything is in place ahead of the much hyped conference.

Suna East MP Junet Mohamed said the party is satisfied with preparations, disclosing that almost 2,000 elected leaders have confirmed participation.

“This is a national meeting; it is not a small meeting. It will give a way forward for this country. This is a first time we are having a national discourse before someone declares candidature,” Junet said.

“People who have asking Raila whether he will be on the ballot, on Friday he will give answers to that.”

The National Assembly minority whip said over 200 MPs and almost 30 governors have confirmed out of 40 county bosses invited.

According to the ODM Director of Elections, almost 2,000 members of various county assemblies had by Tuesday confirmed attending.

Earlier, the Orange Party held a Parliamentary Group meeting and agreed to allocate 10 slots each to all the ODM MPs.

The adjustment on the number of delegates was arrived at after MPs demanded slots for their supporters during the meeting chaired by Mbadi at Chungwa House.

The Raila led party has 70 MPs in both houses of Parliament which translates to additional 700 delegates.

“We agreed that each of them will bring 10 people. We have made those adjustments. That will form a delegation that will have a different kind of sitting arrangements,” Mbadi told the Star on the phone.

The PG also agreed that MPs and governors will work together to facilitate the delegates from their respective areas.

In places where ODM has no governors or elected leaders, the Orange party will take care of the facilitation of the delegates.

“So far, there are at most five counties where the party will take full charge,” Mbadi said.

Edited by CM